WAITED ALL DAY FOR FOOD

Brent had another great day today! The 38 th surgery was scheduled for today and he could not eat until the surgery was over. The surgery happened tonight from about 7:45 to about 9 ish. Now when the surgery occurs Brent is rolled into a recovery room before he can go back to his room on the sixth floor. After waiting awhile in the recovery room he asked if he could go back to his room because he couldn't wait to eat (awesome isn't it!). Brent enjoyed having macaroni soup.

Brently had some visitors today. People who were staff and family of patients in the MPICU came by for a visit.

Dr. Saczek is doing an awesome job with Brent. The family is very grateful for this doctor and all the medical staff at Regina General.

Scot said that after the surgery tonight he can't believe how small the open incision looks now. Scot said it looks incredibly small.

It's all coming together.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

STABLE AND A PIZZA PARTY

Brent having his first pizza party since Feb. 27


Brent is pressing on and is improving daily.
Here are the latest happenings with Brent:

• He enjoyed a pizza party on Monday night
• drank an english toffee coffee
• ate a half can of zoodles
• he is not liking the hospital food at all
• His mom (Carolyn/Cary) and Auntie Ev went grocery shopping for him
• Brent has a new pair of converse high top shoes (these shoes are on during the day to support his ankles)
• Watched, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" with his Uncle Rich
• loves laying on his sheepskin blankets (much more comfortable)
• Visitors included Uncle Rich & Auntie Ev (from Sudan), Al and Robin Thiessen
• Brent's vitals are exactly where they should be - vitals are doing awesome
• Myles, the physiotherapist, is working with Brent to build up his muscles
• One of the meds, TPN, is on during the night which affects the liver and in turn gives a yellow pigment to Brent's skin for now.
• Brent is also having some very emotional moments

Thank you for your prayers for this family.

"Be strong in the Lord and in his Mighty Power" Ephesians 6:10 (The Bible, NIV)

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

BRENT IN STABLE CONDITION AND DOING GREAT

Brent is doing great. He is enjoying being on the internet and texting. Brently ate lots of food on Sunday - scrambled eggs, bacon, lasagna, garlic toast, and a popsicle. Brent also had lots of visitors on Sunday including Uncle Dale, Auntie Ev, friend Josh, Uncle John, Auntie Kathy, Shauna, Noreen (ward clerk from MPICU), and Carla (nurse from MPICU).

Brently was a little tired, but feeling great. Please continue to pray for:

• the vac dressing and abdomen surgeries to go well and be over soon
• physio
• Brent's back
• tutoring Brent is receiving and that he can keep learning
• Brent to sleep well at nights

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

NEW ADDRESS TO SEND STUFF TO BRENT

Hey everyone! Brent is still stable and doing great..we are thankful. If you want to send anything to Brent or his parents, here is the address:

Brent Peterson
C/O Regina General Hospital
6A, Room 5A
1440 14 th Ave.
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
S4P 0W5

Thank you for supporting and loving this family.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS ANSWER TO PRAYER?

Tonight, we are so thankful. Carolyn (Cary) asked me to phone her at the hospital. So, I phoned and I got a voice I didn't recognize at first. I said to the person, "Sorry, I must have the wrong number" and then the person said, "It's me, Brent". I was stunned, relieved, and excited to hear Brent's voice again. We had a conversation for the next fifteen minutes that was just extraordinary. We are witnessing a miracle in action.

Here's the latest on Brent given to me by Brently himself:

• Brent is STABLE (he is not critical anymore)
• Today, Brent moved to his new room at Regina General - out of the MPICU to sixth floor, 'A", Room 5
• his 37 th surgery went great - Brent said he felt quite a bit of pain so he just managed the morphine himself until he was more comfortable
• Brent just wants to eat like crazy now (typical teenager eh?)
• he has not thrown up since Wednesday
• today, for lunch he had a McDonald's meal....he ate most of it and loved it!
• Brent told me that the skin grafting will probably start in about nine days
• Shelton and his family came to visit
• his new room is decorated with all the cards, shirts, posters, etc sent to him
• he told me lots tonight, but the greatest part was when he said "I love you Pastor Rob"
• Brently is starting to check his facebook now

Thank you to all the staff at the MPICU from the Peterson's. They love and appreciate the care you gave to their son. THANK YOU.

The healing journey continues.....how great it is to know Brent is stable, coherent, talking, and learning. Along with Scot and Carolyn (Cary), I just feel incredible joy in how well Brent is doing at the moment. We are people of faith and we give thanks to Jesus for his guidance in this situation.

Please continue to pray, write on the blog, and support the Peterson's.

THANK YOU.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

SURGERY 37

Brent, at this moment, is in surgery 37 - getting his vac dressing changed and sewing up the abdomen some more. Brent had a good night.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

A MOM'S COMFORT

Katie and Brent - Summer 2008



BRENT IS HAVING A GREAT DAY:

• medically everything is going very well


• he ate three cups filled with sherbert


• he had a couple of bites of chicken (Brently ate well today!)


• today Ms. Fournier, Ms. Bishop, Yong, Nicole, and Angel came to visit (two teachers and some friends from school - cool they came!)


• yesterday, Brent's cousins, Parker and Tori arrived in Sask for the summer - so they were able to hang out with Brent for awhile

Brent has been experiencing some irregular sleep patterns this week. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) are just a little tired with Brent keeping them on their toes. Carolyn (Cary) who is usually at the hospital early decided to try to sleep in today. The hospital called her at six a.m. to come in because Brent was calling for her.

Brent was awake and listening to a CD and the song "I can only imagine" started to play. This is one of Katie's (his sister who passed away the afternoon of the accident) favorite songs. The song reminded him of how much he is missing Katie. Mom came to the hospital and began to comfort her son. Mom and Brent did some reminiscing about Katie. They also looked at pictures of Katie.

This would be a challenging morning for any parent. Carolyn (Cary) said that it was a good healing time for the two of them. How healing it is to be able to communicate your true feelings. How wonderful is the touch of a Mom that brings so much comfort. How great it is that the Holy Spirit (the Comforter for us here on earth) is with this family - guiding, healing, and providing.

Please pray for strength and comfort for the Peterson's. Brent's medical risks are decreasing, thus, the grieving for Katie is increasing.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

BRENT HAS FOUND HIS VOICE!

Pictured from left to right: Rev. Rob Clark, Tara Cameron,
Pastor Angela McDonald,'Little Man' Brent, Mom (Cary),
James Koch (picture taken Wed. June 24, 2009)

Terrific news from Regina General today:

• Brent's trach has been out now for over 24 hours and everything is going great
• Where the trach was located they have placed "tape" to help the incision there to grow together
• Brent is taking his medications orally now
• the heart monitors and other machines have now been taken out of the room
• he is having a much better today than yesterday
• his sleep pattern is a little messed up but he's getting rest
• Grandma Peterson cut his hair today and he looks as handsome as ever
• Cousin Vic came for a visit
• his sats are at 100 %
• his blood pressure is great
• he continues to do his physio
• he wants his blue jello
• went for surgery 36 and everything went fine
  

The best thing today - he's talking (all because the trach is now gone). He's having conversations with his mom and dad now. He's able to communicate about pain or what he wants to try to eat. Mom feels bad about eating her food in front of him so she often ate in the waiting room - today Brently told her stay and eat her food in the room. Some nurses came by to see him and when they left, Brent said to them, "I love you". How good it must feel after 119 days to be able to talk again and communicate clearly.

Please continue to pray for full healing for Brent. We give thanks to Jesus for guiding this family through his Holy Spirit.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

JUST GIVE ME JELLO

Brent was still having a rough day Monday night and Tuesday morning. He just was feeling uncomfortable, vomiting, and he did have a nightmare about the accident. Pastor Angela McDonald, Tara Cameron, James Koch and myself were able to visit Brent for only a few moments on Wednesday. It was great seeing him and to hear him talking a little more. He blew us all kisses on the way out.

Pray that Brent's mind will become stronger and that he will develop closer trust with the medical staff and his parents to try new things. Sometimes, there is alot of fear in Brent's mind that almost paralyzes him. Pray for a greater peace for 'Little Man".

Tommy Douglas school raised $ 738.00 for the Peterson family. THANK YOU for thinking of Brent. He loved the school picture.

Someone asked if there was a cross placed near the accident scene to remember Katie. There is no cross at that location at the moment. The accident happened south of Lumsden.

Brent went for his 36 th surgery....changing the vac dressing and cleaning out abdomen area. The progression of this healing is going very nicely. Just before the surgery Brent kept asking for jello....so after the surgery Brently ate two and a half cups of jello. MMMM good!

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

ROUGH DAY

Hey everyone. Brent had a bad and rough day yesterday. He was uncomfortable and vomiting. Pray he has a better day today.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

DAD GETS A LITTLE EMOTIONAL

Brent had a great Sunday and Monday. He's wearing his new clothes (which has boosted his confidence greatly). Brently's eating is improving wonderfully - over the last two days he has ate two spoonfuls of jello, two and a half cups of ice chips and one bite of toast. Tuesday night he will be attempting to eat waffles for supper.

Scot and Carolyn (Cary) want to thank everyone at Tommy Douglas school. The students, parents, and teachers, during a lunch hour, had a concert. They also had a bake sale and several donations came in to encourage the Peterson's.

Two kinds of emotions:

Mom and Dad have been concerned with "Little Man" and his emotions. They are looking forward to hearing him laugh and share his emotions. Today, Carolyn (Cary) was sitting with her son and they were watching "Hogan's Heroes". There was a funny moment, Brent turned to his mom and said with a smile, "That's funny". That warmed Carolyn's (Cary's) heart.

Father's day held some surprises for Scot. He received some stuff for his golfing hobby. The greatest gift was the card that Brent gave to his Dad. Also, Brent told Scot that he loved him. Scot, this strong man, was not afraid to show his emotions at that moment (let's just say that the card and words from Brent touched his heart and he became a little emotional).

Brent's Uncle John, Auntie Kathy, Shawna came for a visit. Some co-workers of Carolyn's (Cary's) - Noreen and her daughter Danielle, Dorothy came to visit on Sunday as well. Monday brought Luis and Irene Romero to the Peterson's.

May the Lord continue to bless and strengthen Scot and Carolyn (Cary).
May the Lord continue the Regina General medical and support staff.
May the Lord continue to to have His hand on Brent and continue to heal him to full recovery.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

BITTERSWEET FATHER'S DAY

"Little Man" is progressing nicely :) . There was some activity Saturday with friends visiting. The Andreae family and Brittney Forsythe watched a movie with Brent. They were also able to chat with Brent for awhile. A week ago (June 12), Kiersten Andreae and Brittney Forsythe organized a benefit concert (at Elim Church) for the Peterson's. Yesterday, they presented a cheque for $ 4115.00. Thank you to everyone who donated. The Peterson's are very grateful.

Brent is:

• little irregular with the blood pressure
• covering his trach often now to talk
  
• after his vac dressing/abdomen surgery yesterday - he was awake most of the day (very surprising, but good)
• we're not sure if the nightmares have stopped - we're hoping they have and that he is resting peacefully during the night
• Brent is doing physio now with physiotherapist Miles - they are working are getting the legs stronger
• still in ICU at Regina General in critical condition
  

You are welcome to visit or send cards. Brent's friends Josiah Bloomfield and Daniel stopped by. The visits are very encouraging to Brent.

A bittersweet Father's Day as Scot remembers his daughter Katie who is causing a energy stir in heaven. Scot is so thankful that his son, Brent, is here today. This whole situation gives new meaning to being thankful for the new mercies that come every new morning. Pray for Scot and Carolyn (Cary) as they are still grieving Katie and getting used to this "new normal".

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

Brent is going for his 35 th surgery (vac dressing/abdomen) right now

STYLIN'

Hey everyone! Here's the latest on Brent:

• Out of the last 48 hours, Brent has been on the medication for his blood pressure (labetalol) for only 6 hours ...bp is doing much better (YES!)
• Brent is able to feed himself ice chips
• He is still in the MPICU at Regina General in critical conditon, however he is doing much better
• He is covering his trach and talking more (he's starting to overcome this fear)
• A friend sent an email to the Man U soccer organization to let them know about Brent - Brent received an email from the coach of the Man U team
• Brent received another card from Australia and loved it (Dad and Brent are thinking possible future trip to the land down under)
• Brent had a rough Friday morning with throwing up

This week, Carolyn (Cary) went clothes shopping for her 'little man'. Yesterday, after 112 days, Brent was able to wear his own clothes instead of hospital gowns, blankets etc. How good that must feel.

Thank you for your prayers, support and love for this family. Please continue to pray for full recovery for Brent. If you need the address to send a card, please scroll down on this blog until you see the heading ADDRESS.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

STRAWBERRY SHAKE A TASTY TREAT

Brent is covering his trach more often and is able to say a few words when he does that motion. Yesterday (Wednesday), Brently had a very sleepy day. The medication, labetalol (regulates blood pressure) was off from 11 to 3 on Wednesday and the blood pressure was fine (YES!). Also, Brent is not constantly on morphine. Brent is able to manage his pain with the morphine. So, when he needs it for pain he just pushes a button and the morphine is released. Brent is loving the cards he is receiving, especially the ones from Australia and New Zealand. If you want to send a card, the address is on this blog. Just scroll down until you see the heading ADDRESS.

Scot wants to thank everyone who came to help with the construction of the fence at his house last weekend ....thank you!

Scot and Carolyn (Cary) want to thank Kiersten Andreae and Brittney Forsythe for organizing the benefit concert last Friday June 12. The concert turned out to be a great success for everyone who attended and for the Peterson family.

Surgery 34 went well - they are able to start closing up the abdomen area. Once Brent get his vac dressing and abdomen sewn up he will be able to have some of his birthday cake.

Things are progressing well (yet slowly) in the right direction. Brent was able to have two spoonfuls of Strawberry Milkshake from Milky Way (nice treat for Brent). Mom and Dad are doing an incredible job walking their son through this unbelievable journey. Please keep praying.

Isaiah 40:9, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak".

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

SURGERY 34

Brent is in the Operating Room right now for surgery 34. The vac dressing and the abdomen are being cleaned up. They are also hoping to close the abdomen up more today. Please pray.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

COMFORT OF A BLANKET PLUS MOM AND DAD

The other day Brent had a great visit with his cousin James and his girlfriend. They made Brent a blanket that has soccer theme print. Brent loves the comfort of this blanket.

Auntie Kathy (Carolyn/Cary's sister) came for a visit with Brent as well as having some much needed sister time with Carolyn (Cary).

Mom was with Brently this weekend as Scot finished up the fence back in Saskatoon. It was awesome to see Scot at Elim Church in Saskatoon on Sunday morning. Pastor Marvin asked him to share a few words about how everything was going and then the church prayed for the Peterson family. Scot was encouraged. When Scot returned back to Regina, "Little Man" was very excited to have Dad by his bedside again.

Brent received birthday cards, greetings from friends and from everyone at school. He enjoyed receiving them and was happy. THANK YOU to everyone who sent a card.

Brent's health is improving daily. Let's continue to persist in praying for full healing for Brent.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

SATURDAY SITUATION

Brent had a full Saturday:

• tried to get rest as much as possible
• he's been missing his dad (Scot is in Saskatoon taking care of stuff around the home)
• Brent went for surgery thirty four yesterday - vac dressing and abdomen cleaning went well
• Brent enjoyed the visit with his soccer buddies Jordan, Jordan's mom (Lori) and Blairum (we think that's the correct spelling)
• Brent talked to Scot a few times during the day (well..Brent mostly listened as he can't talk..but he enjoyed those phone calls)
• Brent did not have a great night last night - he was having lots of nightmares
• Due to the nightmare situation, Carolyn (Cary) was called back to the hospital at 3:30 a.m. - Brent finally fell asleep at 5:30 a.m. and woke up at 7:30 a.m
• Brent's blood pressure is extremely fluctuating and spiking

Pray for peace and strength for Brent as he continues to recover.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

We love you Brent!

BENEFIT CONCERT

Tonight, Friday, June 12, there is a benefit concert for Brent and his parents.
Here are the details:

• concert begins at 7 p.m.
• featuring different bands
• this is a youth oriented concert
• cost to get in is $ 10.
• there will be a concession
• organized by Brent's friends
• at Elim Tabernacle 3718 8 St East, Saskatoon, Sask.
• you're welcome to drop off donations at the door throughout the day and during the concert tonight
• all proceeds go to support Brent and his family

Thank you.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

LITTLE MAN MAKING PROGRESS

Brently is making some progress. He was watching a show called Jag and he had some more visitors yesterday. Uncle Roy, Auntie Val, and Uncle Phil stopped by to encourage him. Brent is able to handle more visitors now so you are welcome to stop by and say hi.

The latest happenings on Brent:

• Brent had a major CT scan yesterday - the scan proved everything from the major surgery three weeks is going well
• Brent had his thirty second surgery last night - changed the vac dressing and cleaned up the abdomen area - they were able to close up some of the abdomen (YES!)
• Brent was in his chair for about 45 minutes yesterday
• Blood pressure seems to be settling down and doing well

There is a benefit concert for Brent and his family this Friday June 12. Please scroll down and look under benefit concert for the details. We want to bless this family in a greater well.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

36 STAPLES AND A BIG RIDE

Hi everyone!

Brently has been resting and trying to get the swelling down. It looks like visiting can happen again with LITTLE MAN. Yesterday, Brents cousin Shauna and Dale visited. Carolyn (Cary) also enjoyed a visit from Bonnie, a friend. Today, Uncle Phil came by for a visit.

This is what is happening with Brent:

• Blood pressure is doing relatively okay
• The other 36 staples came out of the right leg today
• He said six words with the trach covered (this is huge) - he said hello, soccer, I love you Dad.....great job Brently!
• Brent was able to watch CSI Miami today

Overall, it has been a great day for Brent. He went for a ride in his chair all the way down to the cafeteria (finally some new scenery for him to see). Grandpa and Grandma Neufeld visited with the Peterson family in the cafeteria. Brent is getting better, but he is still listed in critical condition.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE PETERSONS

A cool event coming up organized by Brent's friends to benefit his family. Here are the details:

• Benefit Concert
• June 12 @ 7 pm
• tickets are $ 10. @ door
• there will also be a concession
• all proceeds will go to the Peterson family
• featuring bands of Major Flinch, Zachary Lucky, and Teeth

This is a youth oriented night but donations will be gratefully accepted from anyone who would like to give. For more information or to make a donation contact Pastor Shawn at the Elim Church 306.374.1700 or email Shawn at shawn@elimtabernacle.ca

Thank you for your support.

(this concert is at Elim Tabernacle, 3718 8 st East in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - it's being organized by the youth so let us support them the best we can)

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

ICE TEA BECOMES SIGNIFICANT

Hey everyone! Brent is resting and waiting for the swelling to go down. Blood pressure has been a bit of an issue today as well.

Good news - Brent has not thrown up for awhile which is great. Today, Brent went in his chair and went for a little ride on the second floor. He noticed the drink machine. He kept pointing and made it clear that he wanted an iced tea. Brent had some sips of that iced tea. How good it must have felt to have something like iced tea again!

It's the small things in life we all appreciate....

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

DAY 100 @ REGINA GENERAL HOSPITAL ICU

Brently is facing these enormous challenges with great courage. He has endured many surgeries and medications. He is still looking at the same walls in his ICU "Penthouse". Today:

• Brent had his vac dressing done this morning - doctors are generally pleased but want the swelling to go down
• a new trach (which is done monthly) was put in today as well
• "Little man" was able to go in the chair again today - yesterday he wanted so badly to be out of his room, but that didn't happen (so he was a little ticked). So, today, Dad was taking him for a ride in the chair outside the room and Brent decided he didn't want to do that (hmm...teenager moment..). So, Scot ended up taking Brent for a ride around the nurses station etc and Brent enjoyed it!
• Brent is still hoping Mom and Dad are always close by
• Scot and Carolyn (Cary) - incredibly loving, committed and caring parents!
• Nurse Christine - was Brent's nurse on day 100, she was also Brent's nurse for the first three days Brent was in the ICU
• Brent is still in critical condition

A good way to celebrate Brent's perseverance in life. Today, Brently learned that he is getting a new laptop. This laptop will help him download favorite shows, movies etc. Brent will also be able to look at the blog and facebook (note: learning to coordinate the muscles in his fingers and arms will take some time, but at least he can do some things with the laptop). This laptop was made possible by the staff and kids of LBP school). Thank you for your generosity.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

IT'S DAY 100 AND BRENT IS IN SURGERY 31

Brent is in surgery right now for the vac dressing and hopefully a cleaning up of the area of the abdomen. We're hoping the swelling has decreased so they can close up some of the abdomen.

Thanks for your prayers.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

(A response was posted under blog entry "address". This response included a challenge to everyone who reads this. Please take time to read that response - thank you)

ADDRESS

Some are requesting an address for the Peterson's in their responses to this blog. If you would like to send something to Brent or his parents, please send it to the following address:

Brent Peterson
C/O Regina General Hospital
MPICU
1440 14 th ave.
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
S4P 0W5

The family greatly appreciates your support and prayers. Thank you!

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

Tomorrow, Saturday June 6, marks day 100 on this journey the Peterson's never expected.......

THE COMFORT FROM THE SUPPORT OF MOM AND DAD

Scot and Carolyn (Cary) are wonderfully supportive parents to Brent. They have been by his side day and night ready to comfort and guide Brently through this journey. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) have also made many friends in the ICU waiting room and with the medical staff. During the trials of what Brent is going through, Carolyn (Cary) found some time and energy to go to a funeral last Monday. An eight month old child (former patient in the ICU) passed away and Carolyn (Cary) attended the funeral last Monday to support the family.

Here's the latest happenings with our "Little Man":

• Brent didn't have a good sleep last night (pray for deep sound sleep)
• the vomiting has eased (pray that it will stop altogether)
• today, he is on less morphine (no longer running through his IV)
• his ankles and knees were bothering him today
• some parts of his body are still swollen (pray for the swelling to go away)
• Brent had surgery number thirty yesterday afternoon - everything went well except they were not able to sew the abdomen a little bit closer due to swelling
• there is an incision on Brent's right leg from the last major surgery - today thirty six staples were taken out from his leg (that's only half of them)

Little miracles are still happening with Brent. Today, Brent was able to go into a special chair. Dad took his son for a little ride in the hallway. Brent, being pushed by his Dad, made a lap around the ICU nursing station. This Father and son time wore Brent out - but he enjoyed it.

Brent is finding comfort in his parents. Brent found out that Scot was planning on coming to Saskatoon this weekend to do some work around the house. Brent communicated that he did not want his Dad to go because he was afraid that Dad would get hurt. Scot has decided to stay this weekend in Regina to ease the worries of his son. The love these parents have for their son is extraordinary.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

(leaving a response to this blog greatly encourages Scot and Carolyn (Cary). If you write a response, please leave your name and where you are from. Thank you)

ROUGH START TO NEW WEEK

Last Sunday, Brent's cousin Pamela and her boyfriend, Joe came to say a quick hello to Brent. Rob and Lois (Brent's aunt and uncle), the Andreae family came to visit the Peterson's as well. Brent was well enough to see these family and friends for a few moments (please note: visiting for Brent is still being restricted - if you go to visit, please understand if you are not able to see Brent). Starting last Monday, Brent is having a rough beginning to this new week.

Brent is experiencing the following:

• nightmares that are jolting him awake
• vomiting - yesterday (Tuesday) was especially rough as he threw up several times
• Brent doesn't want Mom and Dad to leave
• his healing from the last major surgery ( two weeks ago) is very slow

Good news - there was a special chair brought in for Brent and he was able to sit in it yesterday for almost ninety minutes. Finally, a little bit of variety for Brent.

Thank you for your prayers for this family.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

BRENT'S A CHAMPION

The following quote comes from a letter from one of Brent's teachers at Lestor B. Pearson school:

"Consider this:
Your heavenly Father spoke the galaxies into existence.
Your elder brother Jesus defeated the enemy.

Think about some of your natural ancestors:

Moses parted the Red Sea. There's a great faith in your bloodline.

David, a shepherd boy, defeated Goliath with only a few pebbles he picked up from a brook. There is courage in your bloodline.

Samson toppled a building. There's a supernatural strength in your bloodline.

Daniel spent an entire night in a lion's den and wasn't harmed. Divine protection flows through your bloodline.

Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem when all the odds were against him.
Determination and persistence pulsate through your bloodline.

Queen Esther put her life on the line to save God's people. Sacrifice and heroism are in your bloodline.

These are not random names from the Bible; they are part of an unbroken lineage of faith that comes down to your life.

You come from a bloodline of champions. You are not ordinary; you are a thoroughbred. It doesn't matter what your present condition looks like; you need to know that inside you flows the blood of a winner. On the inside of you are seeds of greatness. On the inside of you is champion after champion."

The letter goes on to say: "....you can overcome this adversity, Brent. There's power in your spiritual bloodline. Believe in it. Today, at LBP, we are having a hat and gum day in your honor. I keep wanting to tell the boys to take off their hats! It's just habit for a teacher to do that. The kids love these hat and gum days. Almost every single child has a hat on and is smacking away on gum! Too funny!
...sending positive thoughts and prayer your way daily...

Mrs. Irene Kindrachuk
Teacher Librarian @ LBP

The last couple of days Brent is battling nightmares and blood pressure is fluctuating too much. Pray that these nightmares will go away and for consistent blood pressure. We believe in you, Brent! You're a champion!

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.